The Mercury 66 MK IV Studio Limiting Amplifier is a modern homage to the legendary Fairchild 660, featuring an all-tube, all-transformer design that delivers unmatched tone and reliability. Known for its exceptional audio quality, the Mercury 66 MK IV is an essential tool for professional recordings, capturing the sonic essence of the original Fairchild while introducing modern enhancements.
Vintage Tone and Modern Craftsmanship
Mercury Recording Equipment has meticulously recreated the classic Fairchild 660 circuit, using no ICs (chips) and incorporating hand-built craftsmanship. The Mercury 66 MK IV features a vintage style VU meter, large bakelite knobs, and a powder-coated chassis, maintaining a distinctive 1950s aesthetic while ensuring modern reliability.
Exceptional Performance Features
- All-Tube Design: Fully balanced, push-pull transformer coupled circuitry for a warm, musical sound.
- Fast Attack Time: Capable of full limiting in 1/5000th of a second.
- Variable Release Time: From 0.3 to 25 seconds, adaptable for various program materials.
- DC Adjust Control: Allows fine-tuning of compression characteristics, providing versatility in achieving the desired sound.
- Simple Controls: Easy-to-use input gain, threshold, attack/release, and meter zero (trim) controls.
Key Specifications
- Transformers: 600 ohm input and output
- Gain: 7 dB (no limiting)
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 15 kHz +/- 1 dB
- Noise: = -74 dB below 0 dBm
- THD: < 1%
- Compression Ratio: 1:1 to 1:20
- Rack Size: 3U
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Tubes: 6BC8, 6V6, 12BH7, 12AX7, EL34, 5AR4/GZ34, 5751
Enhanced Flexibility
The Mercury 66 MK IV features a DC Adjust control on the front panel, providing greater control over compression levels. This "magic knob" allows you to adjust the DC current to either intensify or soften the compression effect, making it versatile for various audio applications.
Testimonials
Professionals like Matt Knobel and Pete Weiss praise the Mercury 66 MK IV for its ability to breathe life into recordings, offering a unique blend of vintage tone and modern reliability. Its thick, rich sound is ideal for vocals, kick drums, and acoustic guitars, among others.
Industry Recognition
The Mercury 66 MK IV is trusted by top-tier engineers and producers, including Bobby Tis, Joe Chiccarelli, and Manny Marroquin. Its use in high-profile recordings attests to its superior quality and performance.
Conclusion
The Mercury 66 MK IV Studio Limiting Amplifier combines the timeless sound of the Fairchild 660 with modern enhancements, providing unparalleled musicality and precision. Whether used as a limiter or compressor, the Mercury 66 MK IV is an invaluable tool for any professional studio, offering exceptional sound quality and reliability.
